Using wireless technology to direct complex wiring configurations

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, method and computer program for managing a computer network, the network comprising at least one network device and a plurality of unconnected network ports, the apparatus comprising: a send component for sending an identification message to each network device; a receive component, responsive to the send component sending the identification message, for receiving at least one identification response from the network; an analyze component, responsive to the receive component receiving an identification response, for determining the plurality of unconnected network ports comprising a first network port; an identify component, responsive to the analyze component determining the plurality of unconnected network ports, for determining the first network port; and a send component, responsive to the identify component determining the first network port, operable for sending a first location message to the first network port.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of European PatentApplication No. 10189719.7 filed Nov. 2, 2010.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention relates to computer networks. Inparticular, embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus,method and computer program for connecting elements a computer networktogether.

Connecting two computer network devices with data cabling correctly isdifficult, as the network devices could be in any location and thewiring could be physically connected to more than one port on thenetwork devices.

These problems are particularly prevalent on rack mounted storageenclosures connected via Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface(SAS) or Fibre Channel cabling, where the storage enclosures could be inany position on the enclosure rack, could have multiple identicalexternal ports, and could have been originally physically wiredincorrectly.

It is possible to wire up a set of enclosures incorrectly and use theconnection available to determine in what way they are mis-configured.However, this is not always possible if the mis-wiring preventsexploratory gathering of connection data. Expanders cannot access theoutside world through external Internet Protocol (IP) links, if thelinks are not wired or configured yet. Even if mis-wiring does allow forsome correct gathering of system layout, it requires the system to beintelligent enough to make use of an incorrect set-up.

Software on a computer device could visually instruct and check thewiring of one or more server-room based machines. Usually, suchautomated checking is done through the wiring itself. This does not workif the wiring is either not connected or is mis-configured.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present inventive subject matter provide forprocesses, machines, and computer program product articles ofmanufacture for managing a computer network. According to oneembodiment, an apparatus is provides for use in connection with anetwork comprising at least one network device and a plurality ofunconnected network ports. The described apparatus comprises a sendcomponent for sending an identification message to each network device,a receive component, responsive to the send component sending theidentification message, for receiving at least one identificationresponse from the network, an analyze component, responsive to thereceive component receiving an identification response, for determiningthe plurality of unconnected network ports comprising a first networkport, and an identify component, responsive to the analyze componentdetermining the plurality of unconnected network ports, for identifyingthe first network port. In the described embodiment, the send component,responsive to the identify component identifying the first network port,is further operable for sending a first location message to the firstnetwork port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may be better understood, and numerous features,and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencingthe accompanying drawings.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only,with reference to preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the followingfigures:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a computer system, in accordancewith the prior art, and in which an embodiment of the present inventionmay be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a high-level schematic flow diagram depicting operation methodsteps for managing the connections of a computer device network, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an apparatus operable on aworkstation for managing the connections of the computer device network,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting images displayed in a window on adisplay screen of the handheld device, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of cabling between the network and two storageenclosures, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Viewed from a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention providean apparatus for managing a computer network, the network comprising atleast one network device and a plurality of unconnected network ports,the apparatus comprising: a send component for sending an identificationmessage to each network device; a receive component, responsive to thesend component sending the identification message, for receiving atleast one identification response from the network; an analyzecomponent, responsive to the receive component receiving anidentification response, for determining the plurality of unconnectednetwork ports comprising a first network port; an identify component,responsive to the analyze component determining the plurality ofunconnected network ports, for identifying the first network port; andthe send component, responsive to the configure component identifyingthe first network port, further operable for sending a first locationmessage to the first network port.

In another embodiment of the present invention the receive component,responsive to the send component sending the first location message, isfurther operable for receiving a first location response from the firstnetwork port.

In another embodiment of the present the apparatus further comprises adisplay component, responsive to the receive component receiving thefirst location response, for displaying a first location of the firstnetwork port.

In another embodiment of the present invention the apparatus furthercomprises a check component, responsive to the first network port beingconnected to a second network port, for checking a connection betweenthe first network port and the second network port.

In another embodiment of the present invention the apparatus furthercomprises a configure component, responsive to the first network portbeing connected to a second network port, for configuring a connectionbetween the first network port and the second network port.

In another embodiment of the present the send component is furtheroperable for sending one of the identification message and the firstlocation wirelessly.

Viewed from a second aspect, embodiments of the present inventionprovide a method for managing a computer network, the network comprisingat least one network device and a plurality of unconnected networkports, the method comprising: sending an identification message to eachnetwork device; in response to sending the identification message,receiving at least one identification response from the network; inresponse to receiving an identification response, determining theplurality of unconnected network ports comprising a first network port;in response to determining the plurality of unconnected network ports,for identifying the first network port; and in response to identifyingthe first network port, sending a first location message to the firstnetwork port.

In another embodiment of the present invention the method furthercomprises, in response to sending the first location message, receivinga first location response from the first network port.

In another embodiment of the present invention the method furthercomprises, in response to receiving the first location response,displaying a first location of the first network port.

In another embodiment of the present invention the method furthercomprises, in response to the first network port being connected to asecond network port, checking a connection between the first networkport and the second network port.

In another embodiment of the present invention the method furthercomprises, in response to the first network port being connected to asecond network port, configuring a connection between the first networkport and the second network port.

In another embodiment of the present invention sending one of theidentification message and the first location comprises sending one ofthe identification message and the first location wirelessly.

Viewed from a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention providea computer program stored on a computer readable medium and loadableinto the internal memory of a digital computer, comprising software codeportions, when said program is run on a computer, for performing one ormore methods as previously described.

Advantageously, a wireless data connection, such as Bluetooth or wi-fi,is used to instruct and determine the correct set up of complex wiring.The apparatus detects and reports on any supported server room machinethat is switched on, but not connected or configured via any datacabling to anything else in the server room. Machines which are not yetconfigured are selected as a fully configured operational server shouldnot be exposed as a security risk by enabling a wireless connection.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus toidentify physical hardware.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, eachmachine is displayed as an image on a wireless device. The visualarrangement of the machines displayed on the configuration software isappropriate to the way they are stored in the server room; for example,a rack containing a rack mounted device would appear visually as a setof boxes stacked on-top of one another.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, if all ofthe cabling has been connected, but is still not working, error recoveryis used to identify and access ports associated with the failingconnections without the need for redundant cabling.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide amethod/apparatus that does not require a storage controller to beaccessed, cabled, or configured in order to cable and configureexpansion storage enclosures. Connections are made without referring towhether the connected components are peers, or have a hierarchicalrelationship.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a computer system 100 in which anembodiment of the present invention may be implemented. Computer system100 comprises networked computer devices, for example, but notrestricted to: servers 108; storage enclosures 140, 155; a firstenclosure rack 150; a second enclosure rack 152; and, a workstation 115.Both first enclosure rack 150 and second enclosure rack 152 comprise atleast one storage enclosure 140, 155. Typically, a storage enclosure140, 155 comprises either a storage controller 140 or a storageexpansion box 155. First enclosure rack 150 is wired to network 114, butis not configured. Second enclosure rack 152 is not wired to thenetwork. The computer devices are connectable through a network 114,which may comprise a wired network 110 or a wireless network (notshown). An example of a network is the Internet. Workstation 115comprises a handheld device in one embodiment, such as a phone or apersonal digital assistant (PDA). The handheld device may also beconnected to computer devices through an alternative wireless network118, for example through a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless shortdistance connection protocol. Storage enclosures 140, 155 also comprisenetwork ports 157, with which to attach to network 114 and to eachother. An indicator 158 is associated with each network port 157. Theindicator could be a light-emitting diode (LED).

FIG. 2, which should be read in conjunction with FIGS. 3-5, is ahigh-level schematic flow diagram depicting method operations formanaging connections of a computer system 100, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram depictingan apparatus 305 operable on a handheld device such as workstation 115for managing the connections of computer system 100, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagramdepicting images displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI) window126 on a display screen 124 of the handheld device 115, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagramof example cabling between network 114 and two storage enclosures 555,556, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, thedepicted order and labeled operations are indicative of one embodimentof the presented method. Other operations and methods may be conceivedthat are equivalent in function, logic, or effect of one or moreoperations or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionallythe format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logicaloperations of the method and are understood not to limit the scope ofthe method.

In one embodiment of the present invention, unconfigured storageenclosures 140, 155 are used as an example of computer network devicesthat are to be managed. However, in alternative embodiments othercomputer network devices could be managed instead.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the depicted method starts(process block 201). A send component 305 sends an identificationmessage 380 to each of the storage enclosures 140, 155 using a wirelessdata connection 118, such as Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth to instructthe storage enclosures 140, 155 to identify themselves (process block205). Each of storage enclosures 140, 155 comprises a wireless networkinterface card that is set up to allow a single ad-hoc peer-to-peerconnection using a secure protocol, for example, Wi-Fi Protected Access.Apparatus 305 comprises a copy of a security key to enable it to connectto the enclosure.

Once connected over wireless connection 118, a storage enclosure 140,155 sends a reply message 390 back to apparatus 305 to identify itselfto apparatus 305. A receive component 310 receives the reply message 390(process block 210). Reply message 390 comprises three pieces ofinformation in the illustrated embodiment: a model number 392 identifiesstorage enclosure 140, 155 as supported hardware; a uniqueidentification (ID) 394 that is set at manufacture time; and, furtherinformation 396 about storage enclosure 140, 155. The described uniqueID is analogous to a Media Access Control address (MAC address) or WorldWide Node Name (WWNN). The actual WWNN of the device could even be usedin the place of ID 394 if appropriate to the networking protocol ofstorage enclosure 140, 155. ID 394 allows client software to identifyeach storage enclosure 140, 155 and will be the basis on which to buildup a graphical representation of supported storage enclosures 140, 155.Further information 396 comprises additional information about storageenclosure 140, 155, for example, identification for each of the storageenclosure's network ports 157, and whether the ports of storageenclosure 140, 155 are already cabled or configured.

A receive component 310 receives reply message 390 from each of storageenclosures 140, 155 within range of network connection 118 (processblock 210). An analyze component 315 analyzes each of reply messages 390to determine the storage enclosures and the unconnected network portsthat are present within range of computer system 100 (process block210).

A display component 320 displays an enclosure image 455 of each ofstorage enclosures 140, 155, an associated enclosure rack image 456,and, a port image 457 of unconnected network ports 157 in a graphicaluser interface (GUI) window 126 on display screen 124 of workstation 115(process block 220). Manipulation icons 460, 462 are also displayed. Auser 120 of workstation 115 can manipulate displayed images 455, 456 inGUI 126 using manipulation icons 460, 462 so that the positions ofimages 455, 457 are more intuitive. For example, user 120 may prefer toarrange images 455 to match the physical location of storage enclosures140, 155 in enclosure rack 150, 152. To do this, user 120 would selectimage 455 and move it up or down enclosure rack image 456 withmanipulation icons 460, 462.

Send component 305 sends a locate message 385 to each of identifiedstorage enclosures 140, 155 in turn to locate storage enclosure 140, 155physically (process block 225). Storage enclosure 140, 155 sends alocate reply message 390 back to apparatus 305 to identify its locationto apparatus 305 (process block 230). Receive component 310 receiveslocate reply message 388 from each of storage enclosures 140, 155 withinrange of network connection 118. A range component 322 calculates thelocation of storage enclosure 140, 155 by analyzing how long locatereply message 390 took to be received back after locate message 385 wassent. In an alternative embodiment, locate reply message 390 compriseslocation information manually supplied for storage enclosure 140, 155.In another embodiment, a storage enclosure 140, 155 identifies itself,via LED 158 being instructed to flash by storage enclosures 140, 155.The location is subsequently either noted manually, or locatedautomatically, for example by using global positioning system (GPS)sensing by workstation 115.

In the illustrated embodiment, display component 320 displays images440, 455, 456, 457 for each of storage enclosures 140, 155, enclosureracks 150, 152, and network ports 157 in a location GUI window 428 ondisplay screen 124 of workstation 115 (process block 235). Location GUIwindow 428 displays images 440, 455, 456, 457 in their physical locationrelative to each other in an image 480. In the example embodiment,images 440, 455, 456, 457 are depicted in an L-shaped room in which theyare located, so that user 120 can physically locate them easily.

A load component 325 loads a configuration file 330, and a rules file340 (process block 240). Configuration file 330 comprises data aboutwhich ports 157 should be connected to each other. Rules file 340comprises ordering rules for port configuration.

In one embodiment, example ordering rules comprise the following order:

-   -   1. Connect external connection to storage controller.    -   2. Connect closely located ports.    -   3. Connect ports in adjacently located storage enclosures.    -   4. Finish connecting as many of the ports of a storage        controller or storage enclosure as possible before starting the        connections of the ports of a further storage enclosure.    -   5. Work around the enclosure racks in an order to minimize the        distance travelled by the user.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that other ordering rules arecontemplated by alternative embodiments of the present invention.Similarly, in other embodiments ordering rules are not utilized. In oneembodiment, external connection to a storage controller only occursafter other connections have been made.

An identify component 335 evaluates configuration file 330 foridentified ports 157 to determine a suitable connection order for ports157 using rules file 340 (process block 245).

Send component 305 sends a controller port identification signal (notshown) to a first external controller port 505 in a first storagecontroller 140, 555 (process block 250) as identified by identifycomponent 335 (process block 245). First external controller port 505identifies itself by flashing its LED 158, 508. User 120 connects a freeend of external network connector cable 510 to first storage controllerport 505.

Send component 305 sends a source port identification signal (not shown)to a first source port 567 (process block 255) as identified by identifycomponent 335 (process block 245). First source port 567 identifiesitself by flashing its LED 158, 568. First source port 567 is disposedin a storage expansion box 155 according to one embodiment. Sendcomponent 305 sends a target port identification signal (not shown) to afirst target port 577 in a second storage enclosure 140, 155, 556(process block 260) as identified by identify component 335 (processblock 245). First target port 577 identifies itself by flashing its LED578. First target port 577 is disposed in the same storage enclosure(e.g., storage enclosure 140, 155, 555) as first source port 567 in oneembodiment, in the illustrated embodiment depicted in FIG. 5 however,first target port 577 and first source port 567 are each disposed in adifferent storage enclosure 140, 155, 556. User 120 connects one end ofa suitable cable 580 to first source port 567 (process block 265). User120 connects the other end of cable 580 to first target port 567(process block 270).

In the illustrated process embodiment, apparatus 305 determines whetherall identified connections have been processed (process block 275). Ifmore connections are to be processed, the depicted method embodimentloops back to send a source port identification signal via sendcomponent 305 (process block 255). If no more connections are to beprocessed the depicted process embodiment continues (process block 280).

Once user 120 believes that each cable 510, 580 has been correctlyconnected, a check component 345 interrogates connected storageenclosures 140, 155 wirelessly to ensure that the connection has beenmade (process block 280). Check component 345 notifies user 120 that theconnection between ports 567, 577 has been made correctly. If user 120has plugged cable 510, 580 into a wrong port 579, check component 345also informs user 120 of the error. This process is repeated until checkcomponent 345 determines that computer system 100 is correctly wired. Atthis point, in the illustrated embodiment, apparatus 305 uses datacabling 110, 114 for further configuration and the finding of anyfaults. In an alternative embodiment, apparatus 305 continues towirelessly communicate to storage enclosures 140, 155 for furtherconfiguration and for fault determination.

In the depicted process embodiment, a configure component 350communicates with computer network 110, 114 via a server 108 (processblock 285). Configure component 350 initiates a configuration command,which results in configuration of the connections made in theillustrated method 200. Once configuration is complete, check component345 connects to network 114, and sends a control signal that traverseseach of connected ports 505, 567, 577 to check that the configuration asstipulated in configuration file 330 has been configured correctly.

FIG. 5 depicts LEDs 508, 568, 578 identifying themselves at differenttimes during a performance of the method previously described herein. AnLED 508 of external network port 505 identifies itself (process block250). An LED 568 of first source network port 567 identifies itself(process block 255). An LED 578 of first target network port 577identifies itself (process block 260). The illustrated method endsfollowing configuration (process block 299).

In an alternative embodiment, enclosure racks 150, 152 are incommunication with storage enclosures 140, 155 contained within. A sendcomponent 305 sends an identification message 380 to each of enclosureracks 150, 152. Enclosure racks 150, 152 gather information from storageenclosures 140, 155, and then send a complex reply message (not shown)back to apparatus 305. The complex reply message comprises information392, 394 for all of enclosure racks 150, 152 contained within enclosurerack 150, 152. On receipt, apparatus 305 decomposes the complex replymessage into individual reply messages 390 for analysis.

In an alternative embodiment, storage controller 140 is cabled andconfigured after first source port 567 is cabled and configured to firsttarget port 568 (process block 250). Connections are made withoutreferring to whether the connected components are peers, or have ahierarchical relationship.

In one embodiment, a storage controller 140 does not need to beaccessed, cabled, or configured, in order to cable and configure theexpansion storage enclosures. In an alternative embodiment, apparatus305 wirelessly communicates to storage enclosures 140, 155 to configurethe links, and to test the configuration by sending suitableInput/Output signals through ports 567, 577.

In another embodiment, wireless connectivity of a storage enclosure 140,155 is enabled whenever the cabling is not connecting storage enclosure140, 155 in such a way as storage enclosure 140, 155 has access toexternal resources through an alternative network. When a new storageenclosure 140, 155 is to be added to an existing configuration, awireless connection is enabled. Once new storage enclosure 140, 155 iscabled and configured, its wireless connectivity is disabled. If astorage enclosure 140, 155 of a production computer system 100 iscompletely detached from the cabled network, then its wirelessconnectivity is enabled.

Various aspects are described herein with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products according to various embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions thatimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operations to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions that the programmableapparatus provide are processed for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of embodimentsthe present invention may be embodied as a system, method, computerprogram product or computer program. Accordingly, such aspects may takethe form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely softwareembodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) oran embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”Furthermore, aspects of embodiments of the present invention may takethe form of a computer program product or a computer program embodied inone or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable programcode embodied thereon.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

For the avoidance of doubt, the term “comprising”, as used hereinthroughout the description and claims is not to be construed as meaning“consisting only of”.

1. An apparatus for managing a computer network, the network comprisingat least one network device and a plurality of unconnected networkports, the apparatus comprising: a send component for sending anidentification message to each network device; a receive component,responsive to the send component sending the identification message, forreceiving at least one identification response from the network; ananalyze component, responsive to the receive component receiving anidentification response, for determining the plurality of unconnectednetwork ports comprising a first network port; an identify component,responsive to the analyze component determining the plurality ofunconnected network ports, for identifying the first network port; andwherein the send component, responsive to the identify componentidentifying the first network port, is further operable for sending afirst location message to the first network port.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the receive component, responsive to the send componentsending the first location message, further operable for receiving afirst location response from the first network port.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the apparatus further comprises a display component,responsive to the receive component receiving the first locationresponse, for displaying a first location of the first network port. 4.The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the apparatus further comprises acheck component, responsive to the first network port being connected toa second network port, for checking a connection between the firstnetwork port and the second network port.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3,wherein the apparatus further comprises a configure component,responsive to the first network port being connected to a second networkport, for configuring a connection between the first network port andthe second network port.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sendcomponent is further operable for sending at least one of theidentification message and the first location message wirelessly.
 7. Amethod for managing a computer network, the network comprising at leastone network device and a plurality of unconnected network ports, themethod comprising: sending an identification message to each networkdevice; in response to sending the identification message, receiving atleast one identification response from the network; in response toreceiving at least one identification response, determining theplurality of unconnected network ports comprising a first network port;in response to determining the plurality of unconnected network ports,identifying the first network port; and in response to identifying thefirst network port, sending a first location message to the firstnetwork port.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method furthercomprises, in response to sending the first location message, receivinga first location response from the first network port.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the method further comprises, in response to receivingthe first location response, displaying a first location of the firstnetwork port.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method furthercomprises, in response to the first network port being connected to asecond network port, checking a connection between the first networkport and the second network port.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein themethod further comprises, in response to the first network port beingconnected to a second network port, configuring a connection between thefirst network port and the second network port.
 12. The method of claim9, wherein at least one of sending the identification message andsending the first location message comprises sending message datawirelessly.
 13. A computer program product for managing a computernetwork, the network comprising at least one network device and aplurality of unconnected network ports, the computer program productcomprising: a computer readable storage medium having computer readableprogram code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code whenexecuted, causing a computer to perform a method comprising, sending anidentification message to each network device; in response to sendingthe identification message, receiving at least one identificationresponse from the network; in response to receiving at least oneidentification response, determining the plurality of unconnectednetwork ports comprising a first network port; in response todetermining the plurality of unconnected network ports, identifying thefirst network port; and in response to identifying the first networkport, sending a first location message to the first network port. 14.The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the method furthercomprises, in response to sending the first location message, receivinga first location response from the first network port.
 15. The computerprogram product of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises, inresponse to receiving the first location response, displaying a firstlocation of the first network port.
 16. The computer program product ofclaim 15, wherein the method further comprises, in response to the firstnetwork port being connected to a second network port, checking aconnection between the first network port and the second network port.17. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the method furthercomprises, in response to the first network port being connected to asecond network port, configuring a connection between the first networkport and the second network port.
 18. The computer program product ofclaim 15, wherein at least one of sending the identification message andsending the first location message comprises sending message datawirelessly.